Beijing Language and Culture University

The Alliance for Global Education

Popular Culture and Social Change

Beijing Language and Culture University

Fall Term

Program Overview

An ancient seat of government and home to a vibrant arts and music scene, Beijing has emerged as an epicenter of contemporary Chinese culture. Students in the Alliance's Popular Culture and Social Change program enroll in 6 credits of Chinese language and 3 credits of contemporary Chinese society. In addition, they select two 3-credit electives spanning music, film, arts, fashion, environmental studies, economics and foreign policy; or substitute a 3-credit internship or documentary film-making project. Students live in an international student residence hall in double rooms. Participants also have the opportunity to live with a host family near campus. Additionally students are paired with a Chinese student whose major is teaching Chinese as a foreign language. The program offers a full slate of co-curricular activities and excursions. No prior study of Chinese is required.

Note: Students must have courses pre-approved by North Central College prior to taking them abroad. If students change their course schedules while abroad, they must get this change approved. Some departments only permit students to take a certain number of courses that count toward their major abroad. To ensure that all courses count towards their degrees, students must get their department's approval.

Housing and Meals

Students live in double rooms in self-catered residence halls; homestays are also available.

Meals: not included

Estimated Costs

Students in Direct Enrollment programs (i.e. Beijing Language and Culture University) pay North Central College tuition plus a $3,500 program fee. This fee includes placement, orientation and guidance fees, as well as standard self-catered housing. The College selects accommodations; if students choose to upgrade, they are responsible for paying any difference in cost. Unless otherwise noted, the fee does not include airfare, travel to and from airport, meals, visa fees, departure tax, books, national insurance, personal travel or spending money. North Central College financial aid does apply.